The Story

We are All Antarctica is a story about my father George W. Gibbs, Jr’s adventures as the first person of African descent to set foot on the continent of Antarctica. He sailed on the famous ship the USS Bear in 1939 to 1941 on Admiral Byrd’s III expedition to the South Pole. It was the first joint venture with the US military and private exploration. Gibbs went on to serve humanity in countless ways, paving the way for not only people of color in the community of Rochester, MN but for all people to become more human, serve their community and appreciate differences.

Through compassion, tenacity, faith and countless hours in the trenches, Gibbs’ life is a model for community service, equality and fun. As the lowest rank on the ship, he was honored for his contribution at a time when people with dark skin were considered less than human.

This story integrates my experiences with natural healing, the arts, the science of the ice, the metaphysics of the South Pole and the history of the expedition and its mystery.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

I spoke with author Joan Boothe today, as part of the research for my book. It's exciting to speak with someone who is knowledgeable and passionate about the Antarctic peninsula (where 98% of lay people go when they visit Antarctica)

. . . this will become the handbook to use when referring to the history of this part of the Antarctic, for visitors to the Peninsula as well as to those more deeply interested in the background of the area, including South Georgia and the other parts of the former Falkland Islands Dependencies, and it fills an important gap in every Antarctic library. . . a must for anybody interested in South Georgia, the sub-Antarctic islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula from a historical point of view.

Polar Post and Upland Goose

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Every now and then a book comes along that deserves a standing ovation – a big “wow” – the rare one that relates history in a way that grips your attention and takes you along for the ride. . . . a spellbinding, riveting story of the expeditions, and the men, that explored [the Antarctic]. . . . a skillfully written and brilliantly researched bit of Antarctic history – a journey through time, with amazing men who embarked upon astonishing voyages, told as a story that takes you into the minds and souls of these early explorers. It brings you with them, never leaving you behind on the shore, waving good-bye as they depart on their adventure. . . .

The Petaluma Post

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. . . Most polar literature focuses on the Australian/New Zealand side of the continent where the more famous explorers focused their attention. The Peninsula has its own, possibly more varied history of exploration, conflict, disaster, and discovery that Boothe weaves together wonderfully. Best book for understanding the human history of the region around Palmer Station, where I live.

Micaela Neus, Palmer Station Staffer, 2011-12 season

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. . . The rich lore of exploration of [Antarctica] . . . is exceptionally well covered in a very interesting and readable fashion. . . . the only [Antarctic history] aimed for the Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea — the region rich in controversy over discovery of the continent — and the one visited by the most tourists by far. . . . The Storied Ice has no equal on the market and . . . I strongly recommend it. . . .

An Endorsement, not a review, from Dr. Arthur Ford, the author of the article on Antarctica in the Encyclopedia Britannica